HOW TO PLAY A SCRAMBLE
Introduction
A traditional golf tournament in which each player keeps her own score is reserved for players that have the skills and experience to follow the rules of golf and enjoy a competitive environment. Many tournaments require all players to have an established handicap so organizers can identify better golfers and make equitable team assignments.
For charities interested in fundraising and corporations looking to foster relationships, a team format is often used to accommodate players of varied skill levels. One of the more popular formats is called a SCRAMBLE. If you're learning golf to play in business and charity outings, the scramble is a great place to start where a handicap is not required. As a team player, the most important skill you're expected to bring to the table is a good understanding of golf etiquette. Simply come dressed for a day on the course and equipped to play your best!
The organizers of the tournament may allow players to select their own teams, or they may pair golfers based on skill level using handicaps or other means to equally distribute players. For example, you may see golfers assembled by FLIGHT, which identifies and groups golfers with similar characteristics. Most often a tournament flight consists of players with similar handicaps, but they can also be based on age, location or other criteria.
Before you sign on the dotted line to enter a tournament, make sure that the primary goal of the outing is to have fun. If the stakes are high, the atmosphere may be stressful and your teammates may be completely focused on winning. If the tournament does not require a handicap to participate, that's your clue that the outing may be more relaxed.
Scramble Format
Players in a golf scramble follow the rules of golf. However, rather than each player keeping her own score, one score is recorded for the team. Teams are typically composed of four people, though a scramble can also be played in teams of two. While there are universal rules specific to a scramble, variations are often added. At the start of your scramble, the organizers will call attention to the specific requirements for the round.
A scramble begins with a drive at the starting hole. In order for everyone to start and finish at roughly the same time, teams will be positioned at different holes to begin the game. This is called a SHOTGUN START. When teams start on the same hole (usually Hole 1) and assigned to start at specific time intervals; this is referred to as CONSECUTIVE TEE TIMES and groups will finish at different times.
Each player will use the appropriate tee box for her skill level. After each player has taken a turn, the team will choose the ball in the best position. The other balls are collected, and typically someone will place a tee where the best ball has landed to spot the location for the next shot. Players may go in any order, but we suggest that the less skilled golfers go first. This leaves the more experienced players for last if the pressure mounts to make a good shot.
The rules of golf allow each player to place their ball within one club length (no closer to the hole) from the best ball position. When placing the ball, a player is not allowed to improve the ground condition. For example if the chosen ball is in the rough, each player must keep her ball in the rough. If the chosen ball is in a sand bunker, it must remain in the sand bunker. (Sorry!)
Play continues in this manner with each player taking a turn from the best ball position until the team ball is on the green. On the putting green, players are allowed to place their ball to make their putt one tee length from the best ball position, but again, the ball cannot be placed closer to the hole. Once the ball is in the hole, one score is recorded for the team.
Scramble Variations
To mix it up and make things more interesting, organizers may impose additional rules and requirements. There is no end to what can be added to make the game more fun. Below are some of the more common rules you may encounter.
- During the round, at least one drive from each player must be used.
- After each stroke, the golfer whose ball was selected sits out the following stroke.
- On select holes, players may be required to use a specific tee box.
- After the team drive is selected, each player plays her own ball into the hole and the best individual score is recorded for the team. This is called a SHAMBLE.
- Teams may use a MULLIGAN, which is the opportunity to redo a shot without penalty. Charity outings often sell mulligans to be used during the tournament as an additional way to raise funds.
- When the team is required to pick the worst shot, it's called a REVERSE SCRAMBLE (this rule can make for a very long day)!
